Driver cited in hit-and-run crash with motorcyclist

Viken Koundakjian was struck by a hit-and-run driver Saturday in Des Moines' south side. His family is hopeful the driver will come forward and take responsibility for the crash.(Photo: Special to the Register)

The driver had been identified by police Tuesday night, hours after the family of motorcyclist Viken Koundakjian, 40, spoke about the case to The Des Moines Register and other local news outlets. His sister also addressed the hit-and-run driver in a publicly visible Facebook post that had been shared nearly 450 times by Monday morning. She wrote that her family struggled with not knowing who hit her brother.

Koundakjian suffered several broken bones after his motorcycle was struck head-on by a vehicle that crossed the center line on Indianola Avenue in front of Strudl Haus around 10 p.m. Saturday.

"This is not about justice. This is about responsibility. You left him in the road to die," Sarah Deeds, the victim's younger sister, told the Register.

After she had heard from police that they'd identified the driver, Deeds posted again on Facebook: "Driver found!!! Thank you to the DMPD for their hard work!!"

In a statement to the Register, Deeds said, "We are grateful for the hard work the DMPD has done and their fast action. Thank you so much to all of the officers involved!"

Just before the crash Saturday night, Koundakjian was northbound on Indianola Avenue on his Harley-Davidson, heading toward his home in Windsor Heights.

A woman who was behind the southbound vehicle told police it started to drift over the double yellow lines near the intersection of Hillside Road. According to a police crash report, the witness thought it "was odd" that the driver did not correct themselves and was "in the opposing traveling lanes for a short period."

Koundakjian, who was not wearing a helmet, was struck head-on by the oncoming vehicle. He was thrown from his motorcycle.

The hit-and-run vehicle then continued on Indianola Avenue and turned north on Southeast Sixth Street, the witness told police.

Koundakjian suffered a dislocated shoulder, broken elbow and foot, and several fractured vertebrae. But his family said he's in good spirits and eager to get back on his motorcycle once he heals.